Firstly, you need to really make good use of your textbook. Don’t worry about resale value, or whether or not it will look pretty when you’re done. The textbook is for you to use during the semester – that’s why you have it.

Underline, circle and make margin notes as you read along. I don’t mean highlighting the whole page; just the few key phrases that can help the main concepts “stick out” on the page, and thus “stick in” your mind. This helps direct your focus to the most important things, while also making those things easier to recall.

Get some sticky-notes and mark the important pages. In a textbook with 500 pages there would probably be about 50 pages worth marking. Skimming through these pages in those last few precious seconds before the exam can make a big difference to your performance.

Transfer important notes to the front of the book. Use the covers to scribble away new facts or ideas. This helps to cement the concepts in your mind. Also, making notes helps you to understand concepts more clearly; just because your mind is re-absorbing the information in a different format. And, of course, the better your understanding of the material, the more likely you’ll be able to recall it correctly when a test comes along.

Finally, when you finish with the book, re-read the marked pages. If you want, you can make a mind map of the content; some people say that mind maps can greatly improve your memory. In any case, mixing up the format of the information will make it easier to digest.

Try using these tips for the courses you’re taking now, and see if you can’t turn the tables on those students that always beat you on tests!